Ocala FL

Mike Anthony Jones Jr. testified in his own defense on Feb. 19, saying he was very close to the victim – his grandfather, William Pray – but was forced to fatally shoot the man in self defense. Jones, charged with second-degree murder with a firearm, told the court he and his grandfather went fishing, cooked and shot...

A retired officer from the New York City Police Department crashed her golf cart after drinking at a country club in The Villages. AnnMarie Ennis, 55, who lives in the Village of Amelia, was arrested Thursday on a warrant charging her with driving under the influence. The warrant was issued...

Ocala, FL (February 18, 2026) – World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC), a premier equestrian and hospitality destination in Central Florida, has officially opened The Equestrian Manor, a four-story, multi-concept dining and events venue anchored by four chef-driven restaurants, including two rooftop restaurants...

An opening date has been announced for a massive new Walmart in The Villages. The opening of the new store at State Road 44 and Morse Boulevard is set for March 4. The new store won’t be a regular Walmart. It has been billed as the massive chain’s “Store of the Future.” The nearly 257,000-square-foot store’s concept...

Marion County officials denied a request to build a food truck park on County Road 484 in light of residents’ concerns with the proposed plans, with multiple members of the community citing incompatibility with the surrounding area. The Marion County Board of County Commissioners denied the the request for...

A suspect was arrested at a postal station after an alleged attack at a home in The Villages. Deputies were investigating the altercation when they tracked down 47-year-old Jeffrey-Michael Stewart who lives in the Julia Villas in the Village of Chitty Chatty. He was found at about 8 p.m. Thursday at the postal...

A 28-year-old Ocala man accused of stealing aluminum ramps from a local auto shop has been arrested after he allegedly tried selling the ramps on Facebook Marketplace. On Tuesday, January 20, a manager at Burynzz Classic Cars (1 Aspen Road in Ocala) contacted the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to report that multiple...

Sgt. Paul Bloom, a Marion County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer, gives an update on the investigation into the death of a 3-year-old girl in Citra.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The man who Marion County deputies took in for questioning Thursday in the death of a girl in Citra has been arrested, the sheriff’s office confirmed Friday. Jeroen Jarrel Coombs, 32, faces a charge of aggravated child abuse in the death of a 3-year-old...

Family and friends of Willie Lee Jones said they felt betrayed by the prosecution upon hearing that the man accused of shooting and killing their loved one was accepting a plea deal. Those who spoke at the podium in court told the judge they were prepared for a trial that would end with the accused sentenced to...